Australian GPs face rising complexity and funding pressures

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) ‘Health of the Nation’ report reveals that Australian general practitioners are managing increasingly complex patient needs that were traditionally handled by specialists and hospitals. Approximately 89% of GPs reported managing conditions typically treated by non-GP specialists, while 76% are managing conditions usually treated in hospital emergency departments or urgent care clinics.

Consultation times have risen by approximately 12% over the last four years, increasing from an average of 17.7 minutes in 2022 to 19.8 minutes in 2026. The report highlights significant gender disparities in practice: female GPs average 21 minutes per consultation compared to 18 minutes for male GPs. Female practitioners are also more likely to manage psychological issues and mental health care.

RACGP President Dr. Michael Wright noted that while GPs are providing more comprehensive care, current Medicare funding arrangements have failed to keep pace with the growing clinical responsibility. Data from Ochre Health further indicates a structural inequality, with male GPs earning 6.5% more per consulting hour than female GPs.